Sterling Check closed a $700 million refinancing of the company’s credit facility and the authorization of a $100 million share repurchase program. These distinct yet complementary strategic initiatives will enhance Sterling’s financial position and flexibility by optimizing the company’s capital structure and allocation capacity.
KeyBanc Capital Markets led the refinancing transaction with Wells Fargo Securities, Citizens Bank and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank acting as joint lead arrangers.
“We are pleased to announce a new 5-year credit facility, offering us increased capacity to invest in organic revenue growth and M&A while maintaining a healthy balance sheet with low leverage,” Peter Walker, CFO of Sterling, said. “We are particularly proud that the refinancing was over-subscribed despite a challenging environment for many borrowers, which we believe reflects the credit market’s recognition of our successful growth strategy and maturation as a public company. We are also pleased to announce the concurrent authorization of a share repurchase program, which we expect to fund through the company’s strong existing cash position and robust future free cash flow. The option to purchase shares of Sterling at attractive levels will provide us with a flexible mechanism to return capital to shareholders and reflects our confidence in the future strength of our business.”
Sterling completed a refinancing of its existing debt via a $300 million term loan A facility and a $400 million revolving credit facility. The new structure extends the company’s debt maturity profile to November 2027, increases the company’s credit capacity, and is expected to reduce the company’s annual interest expense. The company’s total debt and net leverage are unchanged as a result of the transaction. Interest on the new credit facility will be based on a total net leverage grid and will initially bear interest at the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) plus a credit spread adjustment plus 2.25%. In the near term, Sterling plans to enter into an interest rate hedging arrangement to substantially fix the facility’s interest rate.
Sterling’s board of directors also authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of the company’s shares over a period through Dec. 31, 2024. The program is expected to be funded through the company’s existing cash and future free cash flow. It will be executed on a discretionary basis through open market repurchases, private transactions or other transactions, including through block trades and Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. Share repurchases under the program will be consistent with the company’s strategic initiatives prioritizing investments in organic and acquisitive growth. The company is not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares, and the timing and amount of any share repurchases will be subject to several factors including share price, trading volume, market conditions and capital allocation priorities. The share repurchase program may be suspended, terminated or modified without notice at any time.
